Eddie Howe backs Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin to earn France call-up

Eddie Howe has challenged Newcastle maverick Allan Saint-Maximin to play himself into the France squad as he continues to light up the Premier League.

The 24-year-old livewire turned in a superb individual display in the Magpies’ vital 3-1 home win over Everton on Tuesday, after which Toffees boss Frank Lampard described him as “pretty unplayable”.

Head coach Howe realises what a talent he has on his hands in the £16million Frenchman, and is convinced that with even more to come, he can star on the international stage.

Howe said: “A hundred per cent that’s something he can achieve, without a doubt. He’s got everything you’d want in his locker already.

“You look at his performance the other day – the cross for Ryan Fraser’s goal from a position in which there was no space to get that ball into the box was incredible, but his overall work-rate and endeavour and attitude were very good and if he can hit that consistently, then what a player he can be.

“There’s no doubt he’s got the talent to do anything he wants to do, but finding that on a consistent basis will be the challenge for any player of his type. It’s not easy, but I’ve been very, very pleased with him in recent weeks.”

Saint-Maximin’s ability to dribble at pace has mesmerised defences since his arrival from Nice in August 2019, although as his reputation has grown, opponents have worked hard to nullify a man who too often in the recent past has represented relegation-threatened Newcastle’s only threat.

Every time he steps on to the pitch, there's that feeling that you don't quite know what he's going to do.- Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe on Allan Saint-Maximin

However, boosted by the club’s January spending spree and ongoing work on the training pitch, he